In-header perimeter RF antenna

ABSTRACT

This document discusses, among other things, an implantable dielectric compartment including a channel in an outer surface of the implantable dielectric compartment, the channel configured to constrain a portion of an implantable antenna in a specific configuration along the length of the portion of the implantable antenna. In certain examples, the implantable antenna can be configured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically at a specified operating frequency provided using the specific configuration of the portion of the implantable antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/579,980, filed on Oct. 15, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/106,068, filed on Oct. 16, 2008 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/228,109, filed on Jul. 23, 2009 under 35U.S.C. § 119(e), which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

Medical devices can be implanted in a body to perform tasks includingmonitoring, detecting, or sensing physiological information in orotherwise associated with the body, diagnosing a physiological conditionor disease, treating or providing a therapy for a physiologicalcondition or disease, or restoring or otherwise altering the function ofan organ or a tissue. Examples of an implantable medical device caninclude a cardiac rhythm management device, such as a pacemaker, acardiac resynchronization therapy device, a cardioverter ordefibrillator, a neurological stimulator, a neuromuscular stimulator, ora drug delivery system. In certain examples, the implantable medicaldevice can include a telemetry circuit and an antenna, coupled to thetelemetry circuit, the combination of which can be configured to providewireless communication between the implantable medical device and anexternal device, e.g., to send information (such as physiological orother information) from the implantable medical device to the externaldevice, or to receive information (e.g., such as programminginstructions) at the implantable medical device from the externaldevice.

Magnetic coupling can be used to provide short-range (e.g., a fewcentimeters) communication between an implantable medical deviceimplanted in a body and an external device, or between an implantablemedical device outside of the body and an external device. However,magnetic coupling communication largely relies on near-field radiation,where the field distribution is highly dependent upon the distance from,and orientation of, the antenna, which grossly limits the effectiverange of wireless communication between the implantable medical deviceand the external device.

As an alternative to magnetic coupling, or in addition to magneticcoupling, low power radio frequency (RF) communication, having anextended range over magnetic coupling, can be used to providecommunication between an implantable medical device and an externaldevice.

OVERVIEW

In an example, an implantable dielectric compartment can include achannel in an outer surface of the implantable dielectric compartment,the channel configured to constrain a portion of an implantable antennain a specific configuration along the length of the portion of theimplantable antenna. In certain examples, the implantable antenna can beconfigured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically at aspecified operating frequency provided using the specific configurationof the portion of the implantable antenna.

In Example 1, a system includes an implantable dielectric compartmentcoupled to an implantable device housing, the implantable dielectriccompartment including a channel in an outer surface of the implantabledielectric compartment, wherein the channel is configured to constrain aportion of an implantable antenna in a specific configuration along thelength of the portion of the implantable antenna, and wherein theimplantable antenna is configured to wirelessly transfer informationelectromagnetically at a specified operating frequency, the specifiedoperating frequency provided using the specific configuration of theportion of the implantable antenna.

In Example 2, the channel of Example 1 optionally includes a narrowportion having a cross section area smaller than a cross section area ofthe implantable antenna, the narrow portion configured to position theimplantable antenna inside the channel.

In Example 3, the implantable antenna of Example 2 optionally includes apolymer covering the portion of the implantable antenna, the polymerproviding interference fit in the narrow portion of the channel, thechannel sized and shaped to provide a specific configuration for theimplantable antenna.

In Example 4, the implantable antenna of any one or more of Examples 1-3is optionally configured to wirelessly transfer informationelectromagnetically from within a biological medium using a specifiedoperating frequency, the specified operating frequency provided usingthe specific configuration of the implantable antenna in the biologicalmedium.

In Example 5, the implantable dielectric compartment of any one or moreof Examples 1-4 optionally includes a cap coupled to the channel, thecap configured to cover the portion of the implantable antenna along thechannel, and the implantable dielectric compartment of any one or moreof Examples 1-4 optionally includes a first interlocking feature and thecap includes a second interlocking feature, the first and secondinterlocking features configured to couple the cap to the channel

In Example 6, the channel and the cap of Example 5 are optionallyconfigured to establish a specified distance between the portion of theimplantable antenna and the biological medium, the specified distanceconfigured to control an impedance of the implantable antenna.

In Example 7, the channel of any one or more of Examples 5-6 optionallyincludes a tapered channel, and wherein the cap is configured toposition the portion of the implantable antenna in a specificconfiguration inside the tapered channel.

In Example 8, the implantable antenna of any one or more of Examples 5-7optionally includes a wire antenna configured to be positioned in thechannel, the implantable dielectric compartment of any one or more ofExamples 5-7 optionally includes a third interlocking feature and thecap includes a fourth interlocking feature, the third and fourthinterlocking features separate from the first and second interlockingfeatures, and the first and second interlocking features of any one ormore of Examples 5-7 are optionally configured to couple the cap to thechannel at a first point over the implantable antenna, and wherein thesecond and third interlocking features are configured to couple the capto the channel at a second point, wherein the distal end of theimplantable antenna is configured to be located substantially betweenthe first and second points, such that the first, second, third, andfourth interlocking features are configured to secure the distal end ofthe implantable antenna in the channel.

In Example 9, the implantable dielectric compartment of Example 8optionally includes a fifth interlocking feature and the cap of Example8 optionally includes a sixth interlocking feature, the fifth and sixthinterlocking features separate from the first, second, third, and fourthinterlocking features, wherein the fifth and sixth interlocking featuresare configured to couple the cap to the channel at a third point,wherein the first and second points are located on a first side of theimplantable dielectric compartment and the third point is located on asecond side of the implantable dielectric compartment, the second sidedifferent from the first side.

In Example 10, the first, third, and fifth interlocking features ofExample 9 optionally include female connectors and the second, fourth,and sixth interlocking features of Example 9 optionally include maleconnectors.

In Example 11, the implantable dielectric compartment of any one or moreof Examples 1-10 optionally includes a first receptacle and a secondreceptacle, the first receptacle configured to receive a first lead andthe second receptacle configured to receive a second lead, the firstreceptacle closer to the implantable medical device housing than thesecond receptacle, and the channel of any one or more of Examples 1-10is optionally located in the outer surface of the implantable dielectriccompartment substantially between first and second receptacles.

In Example 12, the implantable dielectric compartment of Example 11optionally includes a third receptacle, the third receptacle configuredto receive a third lead, the second receptacle closer to the implantablemedical device housing than the third receptacle.

In Example 13, a system includes an implantable dielectric compartmentcoupled to an implantable device housing, the implantable dielectriccompartment including a tapered channel in an outer surface of theimplantable dielectric compartment, the tapered channel configured toconstrain a portion of an implantable antenna in a specificconfiguration along the length of the portion of the implantableantenna, a cap coupled to the tapered channel, the cap configured tocover the portion of the implantable antenna along the tapered channeland to contain the portion of the implantable antenna in the specificconfiguration along the inside of the tapered channel, wherein theimplantable antenna includes a wire antenna having a polymer coveringthe portion of the implantable antenna, and wherein the tapered channelincludes a narrow portion having a cross section area smaller than across sectional area of the polymer covering the implantable antenna,the narrow portion providing an interference fit with the polymer, thenarrow portion configured to position the implantable antenna within thetapered channel, wherein the implantable antenna is configured towirelessly transfer information electromagnetically using a specifiedoperating frequency provided using the specific configuration of theimplantable antenna, wherein the implantable dielectric compartmentincludes a first interlocking feature and the cap includes a secondinterlocking feature, the first and second interlocking featuresconfigured to couple the cap to the tapered channel at a first pointover the implantable antenna, wherein the implantable dielectriccompartment includes a third interlocking feature and the cap includes afourth interlocking feature, the third and fourth interlocking featuresconfigured to couple the cap to the tapered channel at a second point,the third and fourth interlocking features separate from the first andsecond interlocking features, and wherein the distal end of theimplantable antenna is configured to be located substantially betweenthe first and second points, such that the first, second, third, andfourth interlocking features are configured to secure the distal end ofthe implantable antenna in the tapered channel.

In Example 14, the implantable dielectric compartment of Example 13optionally includes a fifth interlocking feature and the cap of Example13 optionally includes a sixth interlocking feature, the fifth and sixthinterlocking features separate from the first, second, third, and fourthinterlocking features, wherein the fifth and sixth interlocking featuresare configured to couple the cap to the tapered channel at a thirdpoint, wherein the first and second points are located on a first sideof the implantable dielectric compartment and the third point is locatedon a second side of the implantable dielectric compartment, the secondside different from the first side.

In Example 15, a method includes providing a tapered channel in an outersurface of an implantable dielectric compartment, the tapered channelconfigured to constrain a portion of an implantable antenna in aspecific configuration along the length of the portion of theimplantable antenna, wirelessly transferring informationelectromagnetically at a specified operating frequency using theimplantable antenna, the specified operating frequency provided usingthe specific configuration of the portion of the implantable antenna.

In Example 16, the wirelessly transferring informationelectromagnetically of Example 15 optionally includes wirelesslytransferring information electromagnetically at a specified operatingfrequency from within a biological medium using the implantable antenna,the specified operating frequency provided using the specificconfiguration of the portion of the implantable antenna in thebiological medium.

In Example 17, the method of any one or more of Examples 15-16optionally includes providing a narrow portion in the tapered channelhaving a cross section area smaller than a cross section area of theimplantable antenna, the narrow portion configured to position theimplantable antenna inside the tapered channel.

In Example 18, the method of any one or more of Examples 15-17optionally includes providing an interference fit between a polymercovering the portion of the implantable antenna and the narrow portionof the tapered channel, wherein the tapered channel is sized and shapedto provide the specific configuration for the implantable antenna.

In Example 19, the method of any one or more of Examples 15-18optionally includes providing a cap configured to cover the portion ofthe implantable antenna in the tapered channel and to position theimplantable antenna in the specific configuration inside the taperedchannel, the cap coupled to the tapered channel using a firstinterlocking feature of the implantable dielectric compartment and asecond interlocking feature of the cap.

In Example 20, the cap of Example 19 is optionally coupled to thetapered channel at a first point over the implantable antenna using thefirst and second interlocking features and at a second point using thethird and fourth interlocking features, the implantable antenna ofExample 19 optionally includes a wire antenna, the distal end of thewire antenna configured to be located substantially between the firstand second points.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter ofthe present patent application. It is not intended to provide anexclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detaileddescription is included to provide further information about the presentpatent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an example of a system including animplantable antenna coupled to an implantable telemetry circuit.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate generally different views of an example of animplantable dielectric compartment including a channel in an outersurface of the implantable dielectric compartment.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate generally different views of an example of a capconfigured to be coupled to a channel of an implantable dielectriccompartment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate generally an example of an implantabledielectric compartment including a channel in an outer surface of theimplantable dielectric compartment.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally an example of an implantable dielectriccompartment having a channel in an outer surface of the implantabledielectric compartment, the channel configured to constrain a portion ofan implantable antenna, the implantable antenna including a polymercovering the portion of the implantable antenna.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an example, an implantable antenna (e.g., a wire antenna covered in apolyurethane tube or one or more other dielectrics) can be located in achannel in an outer surface of an implantable dielectric compartment(e.g., header) of an implantable medical device (e.g., pacemaker,defibrillator, etc.). The implantable antenna can be configured towirelessly transfer information electromagnetically at a specifiedoperating frequency. In an example, the specified operating frequencycan be provided using one or more characteristics of the implantableantenna (e.g., the length of the implantable antenna, the shape of theimplantable antenna, the proximity of the implantable antenna to one ormore other conductors in the implantable medical device, etc.).

In certain examples, positioning the implantable antenna about theperimeter or outer surface of the implantable dielectric compartment canincrease the radio frequency efficiency of the implantable antenna ordecrease losses due to metallic objects within the implantabledielectric compartment (e.g., one or more receptacles, leads, connectorblocks, x-ray identification tags, anchor posts, etc.). In certainexamples, the channel can be configured to constrain a portion of theimplantable antenna in a specific configuration. In an example, at leastone of a length of the implantable antenna, the specific configuration(e.g., shape, path, etc.) of the implantable antenna, or a distancebetween the implantable antenna and one or more other conductivecomponents in the implantable dielectric compartment can be controlledto provide wireless communication at a specified operating frequency, orto increase the effectiveness of the implantable antenna at thespecified operating frequency.

In an example, if the implantable antenna is only covered in the channelwith a medical adhesive or other fill material, the reliability orrepeatability of radiofrequency communication (e.g., range, efficiency,etc.) across multiple devices can diminish due to varying medicaladhesive or other fill material thickness (medical adhesive thicknesscan vary between different operators, machines, processes, etc.). In anexample, for a desired material thickness of 30 thousandths of an inchover the implantable antenna, medical adhesive applied by hand can varyby +30 to −10 thousandths of an inch or more. In other examples, amachine or process (e.g., robotics) can reduce the variance to %10 ofthat applied by hand (e.g., ±3 thousandths of an inch). In certainexamples, a cap (e.g., an injection molded thermoplastic or otherdielectric material cap) can further alleviate the variance of themedical adhesive or other fill material (e.g., to ±2 thousandths of aninch or less), establishing a more precise distance between theimplantable antenna and the body. Further, in certain examples, the capcan be used to establish a repeatable specific configuration for theimplantable antenna (e.g., using one or more features of the implantabledielectric compartment, the channel, or the cap).

In other examples, the reliability or repeatability of radiofrequencycommunication across multiple devices can diminish due to varyingimplantable antenna placement or configuration. In an example, thechannel can be sized and shaped to constrain the implantable antenna ina specific configuration. In certain examples, the specificconfiguration can affect the resonant frequency or the efficientoperating point of the implantable antenna. In an example, by providingthe specific configuration, the implantable antenna can maintain aspecified distance from one or more other conductors in the implantabledielectric compartment.

In an example, the implantable antenna to body (e.g., fluid, tissue, orone or more other biological medium) interaction can be maintained usinga specified depth of the channel and the specified thickness of the cap.In an example, the spacing between the implantable antenna and abiological medium can affect the impedance of the implantable antenna.By improving the control of the impedance, the implantable antenna rangeor efficiency can be improved or can become more repeatable acrossmultiple devices.

In other examples, the channel can include a tapered channel configuredto constrain the implantable antenna in a specific configuration at thebottom or center of the tapered channel. In certain examples, byproviding a specific configuration of the implantable antenna, one ormore fundamental or resonant operating frequencies can be more easilyrepeated or attained (e.g., across multiple devices, etc.).

In certain examples, the implantable antenna can be covered by a polymeror other dielectric material (e.g., inserted into a polyurethane tube toisolate the implantable antenna from external shocks, etc.) and theninserted into the channel in the implantable dielectric compartment. Inan example, medical adhesive can be applied to the channel before orafter inserting the implantable antenna into the channel. In an example,the cap can be coupled to the channel using the medical adhesive or oneor more interlocking features.

In certain examples, an identical or substantially identical channel,cap, or implantable antenna can be used among different implantablemedical devices (e.g., a family of devices having a different number orreceptacles, etc.) communicating at the same specified operatingfrequency.

In an example, a first implantable medical device can include a singleset of receptacles, the single set of receptacles for the firstimplantable medical device consisting of a first number of receptacles(e.g., a first receptacle and a second receptacle), and a secondimplantable medical device can include a single set of receptacles, thesingle set of receptacles for the second implantable medical deviceconsisting of a second number of receptacles (e.g., a first receptacle,a second receptacle, and a third receptacle). In this example, anidentical or substantially identical channel, cap, or implantableantenna can be used for each of the first and second implantable medicaldevices.

In an example, in a two-receptacle implantable medical device, thechannel can be located on an outer surface of the implantable dielectriccompartment substantially between the first and second receptacles. Incertain examples, a three-receptacle implantable medical device caninclude a third receptacle (or one or more other receptacles) added, forexample, above the first and second receptacles of the two-receptacleimplantable medical device, without changing the width of theimplantable dielectric compartment, or without changing the orientationof the first and second receptacles with respect to the firstimplantable medical device. In these examples, an identical orsubstantially identical channel, cap, or implantable antenna can be usedto wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically at a specifiedoperating frequency among different devices, saving manufacturing anddesign costs, and adding reliability in communication among thedifferent devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an example of a system 100 including animplantable dielectric compartment 105 coupled to an implantable medicaldevice housing 101 and a cap 110 coupled to a channel in an outersurface of the implantable dielectric compartment 105.

In the example of FIG. 1, the implantable dielectric compartment 105includes first and second receptacles configured to receive respectivefirst and second leads. The implantable dielectric compartment 105includes a first fastener 118 (e.g., set screw, etc.) configured tosecure the first lead in the first receptacle and second fastener 116configured to secure the second lead in the second receptacle. In anexample, the first receptacle, the second receptacle, or one or moreother receptacles can include one or more connector blocks configured toprovide an electrical contact between electronics in the implantablemedical device housing 101 and an electrical contact on one or moreleads. In other examples, the implantable dielectric compartment 105 caninclude a different number of receptacles (e.g., a single receptacle,three-receptacles, etc.).

In the example of FIG. 1, the first receptacle is located closer to theimplantable medical device housing 101 than the second receptacle. In anexample, the channel and the cap 110 can be located substantiallybetween the first receptacle and the second receptacle, such that animplantable antenna in the channel can be configured to be located acertain distance (e.g., 50 thousandths of an inch, etc.) from one ormore other conductive structures of the system 100 (e.g., implantablemedical device housing 101, the first fastener 118, the second fastener116, one or more connector blocks, one or more leads, leads, etc.), suchas to reduce interference by the one or more other conductivestructures.

In other examples, the implantable dielectric compartment 105 caninclude one or more other receptacles configured to receive one or moreother leads. For example, the implantable dielectric compartment 105 caninclude a third receptacle configured to receive a third lead, and athird fastener configured to secure the third lead in the thirdreceptacle. In an example, the second receptacle can be located closerto the implantable medical device housing 101 than the third receptacle.In these examples, the cap 110 can be located in an identical orsubstantially identical position as the cap illustrated in the exampleof FIG. 1. Further, in these examples, the cap 110, the channel, or theimplantable antenna can be identical or substantially identical (e.g.,in shape, position, configuration, etc.) as illustrated in the exampleof FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate generally different views of an example of animplantable dielectric compartment 105 including a channel 110 in anouter surface of the implantable dielectric compartment 105. FIG. 2Aillustrates generally a first side, and FIG. 2B illustrates generally asecond side, of the implantable dielectric compartment 105. In anexample, the proximate end of the channel 115 can be located (asillustrated in FIG. 2A) at or near a feed-through configured to provideaccess from the implantable dielectric compartment 105 to electroniccircuitry (e.g., a telemetry circuit, a processor, etc.) in theimplantable medical device housing. The channel 115 can progress awayfrom the implantable medical device housing and around the perimeter ofthe implantable dielectric compartment 105 to the second side of theimplantable dielectric compartment 105 (as illustrated in FIG. 2B). Incertain examples, the channel 115 can be formed during the manufacturingprocess of the implantable dielectric compartment 105 (e.g., duringinjection molding of the implantable dielectric compartment 105).

In the example of FIG. 2B, the channel 115 is located substantiallybetween the first fastener 118 and the second fastener 116. In anexample, the path of the channel 115 can be configured to maximize adistance or provide a minimum spacing between an implantable antennaconfigured to be positioned or located in the channel and one or moreother conductors (e.g., fasteners, connector blocks, the implantablemedical device housing, etc.).

In an example, the implantable dielectric compartment 105 can include afirst connector block 120 and a second connector block 121 configured toprovide an electrical contact between electronic circuitry in theimplantable medical device housing and an electrical contact on a firstlead. Further, the implantable dielectric compartment 105 can include athird connector block 122 and a fourth connector block 123 configured toprovide an electrical contact between electronic circuitry in theimplantable medical device housing and an electrical contact on a secondlead. In an example, the first connector block 120 and the secondconnector block 121 can be coupled to a first lead located in a firstreceptacle of the implantable dielectric compartment 105, and the thirdconnector block 122 and the fourth connector block 123 can be coupled toa second lead located in a second receptacle of the implantabledielectric compartment 105. In other examples, the implantabledielectric compartment 105 can include one or more other connectorblocks, or a different number of connector blocks.

In certain examples, the implantable dielectric compartment 105 caninclude one or more interlocking features configured to interact withone or more features of a cap to couple the cap to the channel 115. Inan example, the one or more interlocking features of the implantabledielectric compartment 105 can be located on or proximate to the channel115. In the examples of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the one or more interlockingfeatures include a first interlocking feature 125 on the first side ofthe implantable dielectric compartment 105, and a second interlockingfeature 126 and a third interlocking feature 127 on the second side ofthe implantable dielectric compartment 105. In other examples, one ormore other interlocking features or a different number of interlockingfeatures can be used.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate generally different views of an example of a cap110 configured to be coupled to a channel of an implantable dielectriccompartment. In certain examples, the cap 110 can include an injectionmolded cap. In an example, the cap 110 can be configured to cover aportion of an implantable antenna along the channel. In an example, thecap 110 can include one or more interlocking features configured tointeract with one or more features of the channel to couple the cap 110to the channel. In the examples of FIGS. 3A-3F, the one or moreinterlocking features include a first interlocking feature 130 on afirst side of the cap 110, and a second interlocking feature 131 and athird interlocking feature 132 on a second side of the channel 110. Inan example, the first interlocking feature 130 of the cap 110 can beconfigured to interlock with a first interlocking feature of theimplantable dielectric compartment (e.g., the first interlocking feature125 of the implantable dielectric compartment of FIG. 2A).

In an example, the first interlocking feature 130 of the cap 110 caninclude a male connector configured to interact with a female connectoron the implantable dielectric compartment. In other examples, the firstinterlocking feature 130 of the cap 110 can include a female connectoror one or more other connectors configured to interact with acorresponding connector on the implantable dielectric compartment or thechannel (e.g., a screw and a threaded portion, etc.).

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate generally an example of an implantabledielectric compartment 105 including a channel 115 in an outer surfaceof the implantable dielectric compartment 105. In the example of FIG.4A, the implantable dielectric compartment 105 includes first, second,and third receptacles configured to receive respective first, second,and third leads. In an example, the implantable dielectric compartment105 can include a first fastener 118 configured to secure the first leadin the first receptacle, a second fastener 116 configured to secure thesecond lead in the second receptacle, and a third fastener 117configured to secure the third lead in the third receptacle. In certainexamples, the implantable dielectric compartment 105 can include one ormore interlocking features (e.g., a second interlocking feature 126 anda third interlocking feature 127) configured to interface with one ormore features of a cap to couple the cap to the channel 115, and tocontain the implantable antenna in a specific configuration in thechannel 115.

In an example, the channel 115 can be configured to constrain a wireantenna placed in the channel 115. In certain examples, the distal endof the wire antenna can tend to protrude from the channel 115 duringplacement of the wire antenna. In certain examples, the secondinterlocking feature 126 and the third interlocking feature 127 can belocated on either side of the distal end of the wire antenna, and can beconfigured to secure the distal end of the wire antenna in place in thechannel 115.

In an example, the channel 115 can include one or more narrow portions(e.g., pinch points, etc.) configured to position the implantableantenna inside the channel 115. In the example of FIG. 4A, the channel115 includes a first narrow portion 135, a second narrow portion 136,and a third narrow portion 137. In an example, the one or more narrowportions can have a cross section area smaller than a cross section areaof the implantable antenna. In certain examples, using a wire antenna,the third narrow portion 137 can be configured to secure the distal endof the wire antenna in the channel 115.

FIG. 4B illustrates generally an example of a side view of the firstnarrow portion 135 in the channel 115, and the second narrow portion 136in the channel 115. In an example, the one or more narrow portions canbe configured to provide an interference fit with the implantableantenna.

In an example, the implantable antenna can include a polymer or otherdielectric material covering a portion of the implantable antennaconfigured to be located in the channel 115. In certain examples, thepolymer can include a polyurethane tube or one or more other polymers ordielectrics. In an example, the narrow portion can be configured toprovide the interference fit with the polymer covering the implantableantenna instead of or in conjunction with providing the interference fitwith the implantable antenna (e.g., a wire antenna).

In certain examples, the channel 115 can be sized and shaped to providea specific configuration for the implantable antenna. In an example, oneor more narrow portions can be configured to maintain the specificconfiguration of the implantable antenna in the channel 115.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally an example of an implantable dielectriccompartment 105 having a channel 115 in an outer surface of theimplantable dielectric compartment 105, the channel 115 configured toconstrain a portion of an implantable antenna 140 in a specificconfiguration along the length of the portion of the implantableantenna. The implantable antenna 140 can include a polymer 141 coveringthe portion of the implantable antenna 140, and a cap 110 can beconfigured to contain the implantable antenna 140 in the channel 115. Inan example, the channel 115 can include a tapered channel, sized andshaped to provide a specific configuration (e.g., antenna shape androute) for the implantable antenna 140. In certain examples, the sidesof the tapered channel can be configured to constrain the length of theportion of the implantable antenna (e.g., the entire length of theportion of the implantable antenna 140 in the channel 115), such asillustrated by the cross-section view in the example of FIG. 5. In anexample, the shape or diameter of the base of the channel 115 can be thesame as or approximately equal to (e.g., in certain examples, slightlylarger or smaller) one of the shape or diameter of the implantableantenna 140 or the polymer 141 covering the portion of the implantableantenna 140. In an example, the shape or diameter of the base of thechannel 115 can be configured to constrain or provide the specificconfiguration for the portion of the implantable antenna 140.

In certain examples, a medical adhesive 145 or one or more other fillmaterials can be placed in the channel 115 before, during, or after theimplantable antenna 140 (including the polymer 141 covering theimplantable antenna 140) is placed in the channel 115. In the example ofFIG. 5, the cap 110 can be placed in the channel 115, the cap 110configured to cover the portion of the implantable antenna 140 along thechannel 115 and to position the portion of the implantable antenna 140in a specific configuration in the channel (e.g., along the inside ofthe tapered channel). In an example, the medical adhesive 145 can beconfigured to hold the implantable antenna 140 in place within thechannel 115, to seal the channel 115 from one or more biological medium(e.g., tissue, blood, etc.), or to hold the cap 110 in place over theimplantable antenna 140. In an example, the one or more interlockingfeatures of the implantable dielectric compartment 105 and the cap 110can be configured to hold the cap 110 in place within the channel 115.

In an example, the implantable antenna 140 can be configured to beconstrained to an inside edge of the channel 115. In an example, theimplantable antenna 140 can include a wire antenna having a circularcross section (e.g., 15 thousandths of an inch), and can be contained ina polyurethane tube (e.g., 20 thousandths of an inch). The implantableantenna 140 and the polyurethane tube can be configured to fit securelyinside edge the channel 115 (e.g., a tapered channel).

In an example, the medical adhesive 145 and the cap 110 can beconfigured to secure the implantable antenna 140 in a specificconfiguration inside the channel 115. In certain examples, the medicaladhesive 145 can be configured to only seal the connection between thecap 110 and the channel 115, and the shape of the channel 115 and theone or more features of the channel 115 (e.g., the one or more narrowportions) can be configured to provide the specific configuration of theimplantable antenna 115. In certain examples, the outside surface of thecap 110 can be configured to reside below the outside surface of theimplantable dielectric compartment 105 (e.g., 5 thousandths of an inch).In an example, the cap 110 can be configured to fit within the channel115 having a space between the surfaces of the cap 110 proximate thechannel 115 (e.g., 2 thousandths of an inch), the space configured to befilled with medical adhesive 145 to seal the implantable antenna 140 inthe channel 115.

In certain examples, the cap 110 can increase the cost of theimplantable dielectric compartment 105 (e.g., in contrast to providingmedical adhesive or one or more other fill material to the channel 115instead of the cap 110). Accordingly, in an example, the implantableantenna 140 can be constrained in the channel 115 without using the cap110. Instead, a machine or process (e.g., robotics) can be configured toprovide a uniform or substantially uniform layer of medical adhesive 145or other fill material to the channel 115 over the implantable antenna140. In these examples, the one or more interlocking features of theimplantable dielectric compartment 105 can be excluded. Instead, one ormore narrow portions (e.g., pinch points, etc.) in the channel 115 canbe configured to position or retain the implantable antenna 140 in thechannel 115.

Further, in other examples, the implantable dielectric compartment 105,the implantable antenna 140, the channel 115, the cap 110, or one ormore other component disclosed herein can include one or more otherfeatures, functions, or configurations, such as those disclosed in thecommonly assigned Nghiem et al. U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/106,068 entitled “IMPEDANCE-CONTROLLED IMPLANTABLE TELEMETRYANTENNA,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,including its disclosure of an implantable antenna having a controllableinput impedance, or of a cover coupled to an implantable assemblyhousing.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown and described. However, the present inventor alsocontemplates examples in which only those elements shown and describedare provided.

All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in thisdocument are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, asthough individually incorporated by reference. In the event ofinconsistent usages between this document and those documents soincorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, theterms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system,device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to thoselisted after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within thescope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms“first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and arenot intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be, and not restrictive. Forexample, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof)may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can beused, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing theabove description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of thetechnical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that itwill not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may begrouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not beinterpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature isessential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in lessthan all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scopeof the invention should be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an implantable antennaconfigured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically at aspecified operating frequency, a specific configuration of theimplantable antenna configured to operate at the specified operatingfrequency; and an implantable dielectric compartment coupled to a singleside of an implantable device housing and the implantable dielectriccompartment having an outer surface, the outer surface comprising afirst side, a second side opposite the first side, and a third sideconnecting the first and second sides, the implantable dielectriccompartment including: a channel extending along at least a length ofthe first side, a length of the second side, and a length of the thirdside of the outer surface of the implantable dielectric compartment, thelength of the channel in the third side less than the length of thechannel in at least one of the first and second sides; wherein thechannel is configured to provide the specific configuration to animplantable antenna along the length of the implantable antenna.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a narrow portion havinga cross section area smaller than a cross section area of theimplantable antenna, the narrow portion configured to position theimplantable antenna inside the channel.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the implantable antenna includes a polymer covering theimplantable antenna, the polymer providing an interference fit in thenarrow portion of the channel, the channel sized and shaped to providethe specific configuration for the implantable antenna.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the implantable antenna is configured to wirelesslytransfer information electromagnetically from within a biological mediumusing a specified operating frequency, the specified operating frequencyprovided using the specific configuration of the implantable antenna inthe biological medium.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the channel isconfigured to establish a specified distance between the implantableantenna and a biological medium, the specified distance configured tocontrol an impedance of the implantable antenna.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the channel includes a tapered cross section, and wherein theimplantable antenna is positioned in the specific configuration insidethe tapered cross section of the channel.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the implantable dielectric compartment includes a firstreceptacle and a second receptacle, the first receptacle configured toreceive a first lead and the second receptacle configured to receive asecond lead, the first receptacle closer to the implantable devicehousing than the second receptacle; and wherein the channel is locatedin the outer surface of the implantable dielectric compartmentsubstantially between first and second receptacles.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the implantable dielectric compartment includes a thirdreceptacle, the third receptacle configured to receive a third lead, thesecond receptacle closer to the implantable device housing than thethird receptacle.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprisesan adhesive seal configured to seal the implantable antenna in thechannel.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna and the channelare located approximately equidistant from two conductive structures ofthe implantable dielectric compartment.
 11. A system comprising: animplantable dielectric compartment coupled to an implantable devicehousing, the implantable dielectric compartment including: a channelextending along an outer surface of the implantable dielectriccompartment including along at least a length of a first side, a lengthof a second side opposite the first side, and a length of a third sideconnecting the first and second sides of the outer surface of theimplantable dielectric compartment, the length of the channel in thethird side less than the length of the channel in at least one of thefirst and second sides, the channel including a tapered cross sectionconfigured to provide a specific configuration to an implantable antennaalong the length of the implantable antenna; a receptacle operable toconnect to a lead coupling the dielectric compartment to body tissue;wherein the implantable antenna includes a wire antenna having a polymercovering the implantable antenna, and wherein the tapered cross sectionof the channel includes a narrow portion having a cross section areasmaller than a cross sectional area of the polymer covering theimplantable antenna, the narrow portion providing an interference fitwith the polymer, the narrow portion configured to position theimplantable antenna within the channel; wherein the implantable antennais configured to wirelessly transfer information electromagneticallyusing a specified operating frequency configured to work with thespecific configuration of the implantable antenna.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the antenna and the channel are located approximatelyequidistant from two conductive structures of the implantable dielectriccompartment.
 13. A method comprising: providing an implantable antenna;providing a channel extending along an outer surface of an implantabledielectric compartment along at least a length of a first side, a lengthof a second side opposite the first side, and a length of a third sideconnecting the first and second sides of the outer surface of theimplantable dielectric compartment, the length of the channel in thethird side less than the length of the channel in at least one of thefirst and second sides, the channel including a tapered cross sectionconfigured to provide a specific configuration to the implantableantenna along the length of the implantable antenna; positioning theimplantable antenna in the specific configuration inside the channel;coupling the implantable dielectric compartment to a single side of animplantable medical device; and wirelessly transferring informationelectromagnetically at a specified operating frequency using theimplantable antenna, the specified operating frequency configured towork with the specific configuration of the implantable antenna.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the wirelessly transferring informationelectromagnetically includes wirelessly transferring informationelectromagnetically at a specified operating frequency from within abiological medium using the implantable antenna, the specified operatingfrequency provided using the specific configuration of the implantableantenna in the biological medium.
 15. The method of claim 13, includingproviding a narrow portion in the tapered cross section of the channelhaving a cross sectional area smaller than a cross sectional area of theimplantable antenna, the narrow portion configured to position theimplantable antenna inside the tapered cross section of the channel. 16.The method of claim 15, including providing an interference fit betweena polymer covering the implantable antenna and the narrow portion of thetapered cross section of the channel, wherein the tapered cross sectionof the channel is sized and shaped to provide the specific configurationfor the implantable antenna.
 17. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising providing an adhesive seal configured to seal the implantableantenna in the channel.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the antennaand the channel are located approximately equidistant from twoconductive structures of the implantable dielectric compartment.